Knowing that our children are safe and well is something many of us take for granted – but not all children grow up in an environment that prioritises their health and wellbeing. Whether due to neglect, physical abuse or other issues, some children can find themselves at risk of harm.
In cases where there are concerns for the safety or wellbeing of a child, child protection procedures can ensure that targeted interventions take place to reduce the risk of harm, including removing the child from the home.
What are child protection procedures, and why are they crucial in safeguarding the well-being of families?
The Children Act 1989 plays a key role in child protection procedures in England. It tasks local authorities with ensuring the welfare and safety of children in need within their local area. It also recognises the role of the family court in prioritising the welfare of children and therefore, facilitates a range of child protection measures to safeguard the wellbeing of children and families across the country.
Under this Act, local authorities must act to safeguard children. As part of their duties, they will become involved with local families where there are concerns that the child’s home environment could be detrimental to their health or pose a danger to their wellbeing. That could include allegations of physical abuse, abandonment, or medical neglect, but may also be due to the death or imprisonment of a child’s parent or guardian.
When social services do become involved with a family, they’ll conduct an initial assessment to determine if there is a cause for concern. They’ll also pinpoint any measures they may be able to implement to support the family and ensure the child is properly cared for.
A child protection plan can be developed by social services to reduce the child’s risk of harm and create a healthier, more appropriate living environment for them. This plan is a vital part of the protective process as it acts as a roadmap which signposts the risks present in the family home, and what action should be taken by both the family and the Local Authority. It will also indicate who should take that action, the timeframe for doing so and how progress will be evaluated.
How do child protection procedures help identify risks or dangers?
When concerns are raised about the welfare of a child, a detailed assessment is conducted by social services. This specifically looks to address any risks or dangers facing the child.
As part of this process, social services will speak to the child directly, and hold interviews with relatives or professionals involved in the care of the child. This could include having conversations with doctors, teachers or police officers. This process helps the local authority to understand exactly the kind of risks or dangers the child is facing.
If the child is found to be at risk, that risk will be classified to add further context to the situation. This is a crucial step in ensuring the appropriate support and interventions take place. The risk or dangers facing the child will be classified as:
- Neglect
- Sexual abuse
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
A child can face more than one risk concurrently.
What steps are involved in implementing child protection procedures?
Following the assessment, a child protection plan may be drafted. This document outlines each of the steps, measures and changes that should take place to provide a safer, healthier environment for the child. The plan is detailed and specific. It explains who is expected to take each action, and in what timeframe, to ensure measured progress towards a more appropriate living situation.
- Step 1: An assessment is conducted.
- Step 2: The child protection plan is drafted.
- Step 3: The final plan will be presented to the child’s parents or guardian. A schedule of visitation will be set up with the lead social worker.
- Step 4: The lead social worker routinely visits the family. This will include regular conversations with the child to assess how the plan is being enacted and what improvements are being made.
- Step 5: Regular review sessions will take place, with all stakeholders able to input on the plan’s progress and any changes they may feel are necessary.
- Step 6: If the desired outcomes aren’t being achieved, a contingency plan may be enacted. This would happen if there is an escalation in the level of risk the child faces.
What role do professionals play in overseeing child protection procedures?
Several professionals are involved in ensuring child protection plans result in successful outcomes for the child. The lead social worker will be in regular contact with the child and their family. They will work to ensure the measures outlined to protect the child are being enacted and can escalate the case if they feel that the child’s situation isn’t improving.
The local authority can apply to the family court if the child remains at risk. They could seek one of numerous orders including interim and final care orders, or an emergency protection order.
If the local authority becomes involved with your child due to concerns about his or her welfare, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Our experienced team of family solicitors can offer you trusted, impartial advice. Contact us to discuss your situation in confidence.
